Google earth pro 7.3.2.5491 – Insecure Library Loading/Code Execution

A local Insecure Library Loading vulnerability has been discovered in the official Google earth pro 7.3.2.5491 software. The issue allows local attackers to inject code to vulnerable dynamic link libraries to compromise the process or to gain higher system access privileges. Thus allows a local attacker to compromise the system process of the affected software to followup with manipulations.

Vulnerable Software:
[+] Google earth pro

Vulnerable version(s):
[+] 7.3.2.5491

Affected Libraries:
[+] cryptbase.dll

Product & Service Introduction:
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Google Earth is a virtual world map that allows you to view images, recorded by satellite, from most places on the planet. Whether the place visited is seen from space or a few feet above the ground, the accuracy of the photos is surprising. On the program: satellite images, maps, maps, relief images and 3D representations of buildings.

(Copy of the Vendor Homepage: https://www.google.fr/)

Date of Discovery:
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2018-09-08

Exploitation Technique:
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Local

Platfom Tested:
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Windows 10

Solution – Fix & Patch:
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1/ Whenever possible, use a full path when loading a library.
2/ Delete the current directory from the search path by using ‘SetDLLDirectory;’
3/ Do not use ‘SearchPath’ to locate a library. ‘SearchPath’ was not intended to search for libraries to load into the application’s process space and uses an unsecured search order.
4/ Do not attempt to load libraries only to identify the version of Windows. Instead, use ‘GetVersionEx’ or a similar function offered by the Windows API.

Levels Risk :

Proof of Concept (PoC):
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The dll hijack vulnerability can be exploited by local attackers with restricted system user account and without user interaction. the attacker will be able to take control of a computer and execute in the background a trojan horse or a ransonmware for example. For security demonstration or to reproduce the vulnerability follow the provided information and steps below to continue.